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1970's Italian 18-Karat Gold and Diamond Leaf Brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Remarkable Italian 18-karat gold and diamond brooch. A textured yellow-gold leaf with a strong
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond And Gemstones Heraldic Brooch from 1970's
Located in New York, NY
An impressive diamond and gemstone Heraldic Brooch from 1970's. Can also be worn as a pendant
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold And Platinum Diamond Brooch Circa 1970's
Located in New York, NY
A stunning statement of vintage elegance, this estate diamond brooch dates back to the 1970s and is
Category

20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Estate Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a captivating Estate Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Diamond Flower Bud Brooch, a
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1970's Diamond Chalcedony 18K Yellow Gold Turtle Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
For all the collectors, this is a must-have piece. This adorable vintage turtle pin brooch is
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum &18K Yellow Gold 1970's Turquoise And Diamond Foliage Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning turquoise brooch with diamonds and turquoises. Absolutely stunning colors, and
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1970s Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Spray Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s 0.28 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Gubelin Diamond Yellow Gold Flower Brooch
By Gubelin
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, circa 1970s Gubelin made flower brooch, set in 18k yellow gold, adorned with approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s German Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Gold and 5.00 carat Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s European 14k gold, diamond and jade brooch
Located in London, GB
This stylish 14k gold 1970s brooch is adorned with round cut diamonds and a barrel shaped jade
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold

1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karats white gold. Brooch with contemporary lines, it represents 2 interlaced loops
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Gold Pearl and Diamond Freeform Pendant Brooch
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
gold work freeform pendant/brooch with four freshwater "stick" pearls accented with five round white
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

1970s Lapis Lazuli brooch Gold & Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Vintage brooch from the 1970s period. Set in 18ct yellow gold with a cabochon cut lapis lazuli and
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold

1970's Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Butterfly Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by hinged pinstem with locking closure Stamped for 14 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A delightful brooch dating back to the 70's is designed with a combination of luminous blue
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

1970s Unicorn Enamel Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s Unicorn enamel diamond 18k yellow gold brooch. The 1970s unicorn enamel diamond 18K yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1970’ s Fox brooch 18K Diamonds Sapphires Enamel Spritzer & Fuhrmann
By Spritzer & Fuhrmann
Located in Toronto, ON
1970’ s Fox brooch Spritzer & Fuhrmann, 18K with diamonds, sapphires and enamel. 18kt yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel

Dan Frere 1970's Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Owl Bird Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
for 14 karat gold Fully signed for Dan Frere Circa: 1970s Measures: 1 x 2 inches Total Weight: 18.9
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18k Yellow Gold 1970's Multicolor Gemstone Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular brooch crafted in 1970's by David Webb. This is a multicolor gemstone brooch set with
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 0.65 carat
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Amati Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
1970. Our opinion : The gold finish brings a lot of texture and charisma to this antique diamond brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Onyx, Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Pendant/Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage onyx, 0.08 carat diamond and 14k yellow gold pendant/brooch; part of
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.08ct Diamond and Emerald Lion Brooch, C.1970s
Located in London, GB
A fun and quirky brooch in the form of a lion, dating back to 1970s. Strands of gold are
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Italian Coral Lapis and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
An original 1970s piece, this moon crescent designer brooch is a quintessential representation of
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Diamond Scorpion Brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Created in 18 carat yellow gold, in the likeness of a scorpion, this vintage brooch is a truly
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Merrin Platinum and 18K Gold Diamond Brooch
By Merrin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Merrin Platinum and 18K Gold Diamond Brooch 8.52 carats total
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Diamond Brooch A circular brooch set with round-cut diamonds and emeralds
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Boucheron Paris 1970s Enamel Diamond Gold Brooch Set
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large 18k gold and green enamel brooches, crafted by Boucheron Paris, adorned with approx
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Gold Diamond Poodle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A poodle brooch made out of 18 karat yellow gold and white gold, featuring diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Ruby Golf Clup Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Lady Bird Brooch Set, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.15 Colour: F Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Arthur King South Sea Baroque Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch 1970s
By Arthur King
Located in New York, NY
A baroque south sea pearl, white and colored diamonds, and 18 karat gold brooch/pendant, by Arthur
Category

Vintage 1970s British Baroque Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Strong Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good conditon. Total weight is 45.8 grams. Totally is diamond 4.50 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970's Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Foliage Round & Baguette Cut Brooch
Located in New York, NY
1970's Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Foliage Round & Baguette Cut Brooch. Add a touch of foliage to
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Platinum

Gold and Diamond Turtle Brooch, 1970
Located in Berkeley, CA
on the face. 14K yellow gold and in excellent condition, made in the 1970's.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold and Diamond Turtle Brooch, 1970
Gold and Diamond Turtle Brooch, 1970
W 0.79 in D 0.4 in L 1.11 in
1970s Italian Enamel 6.25cts Diamond 18K Gold Lily Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
A celebration of nature’s beauty, this Italian-crafted 18K gold Italian enameled brooch captures
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Sapphire, Diamond and Ruby Tiffany & Co. Bee Brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1970s Tiffany & Co. bee brooch is a truly whimsical creation. The brooch features 0.50
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Large Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Excellent condition This Diamond Brooch comes with professionally appraised document.
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold

Cartier Diamond and Gold Pinwheel Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Riverdale, NY
Timeless and classic Cartier Diamond Accented Gold Pinwheel or flower clip in heavy 18k gold. There
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tourmaline and Diamond 18K White Gold Brooch / Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This alluring 18K white gold brooch/pendant showcases an eccentric abstract design, centering a
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany and Co's 1970s 18 Carat Gold, Diamond and Ruby Feather Brooch with Box
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
bygone eras. One such enchanting piece is this 18-carat gold vintage 1970's Tiffany & Co feather brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Poodle and Ball Brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

1970s Oak Leaves And Enameled Acorns 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s Oak leaves and enameled acorns 18k yellow gold clip brooch. The "1970s Oak Leaves And
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Three Dimensional Diamond and Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive pavé diamond leaf brooch made of 18K yellow and white gold, circa 1960 -1970's. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Iconic 18k Bee Brooch By Herbert Rosenthal, measuring 7/8 inch from Wing tip to Wing
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Multigem and Diamond Bow Brooch in 18kt Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
Made in Circa 1960s - 1970s A vibrant and sculptural bow-form brooch crafted in 18kt yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s European Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Leaf Style Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. The diamond is has
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Giovani Gemstone and Diamond Brooch
By Giovane
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone, Diamond, and 18k Yellow Gold Flower Pin. This pin has 11ct of diamonds, 3ct of rubies
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Whimsical Elephant Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby and Enamel Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Whimsical three dimensional walking (strutting) elephant brooch made of 18k yellow gold. Highly
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Coral, Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, Gold & Platinum
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous David Webb Coral, Sapphire and Diamond Brooch crafted from Gold & Platinum. This
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1970's 18KT Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Gems And Diamond Lapel Pin
Located in New York, NY
variety of gemstones including citrine, garnet, ruby, and sapphires, this vintage 18KT yellow gold brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Diamond, Pearl, and Emerald Flower Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
18K Gold Diamond, Pearl, and Emerald Flower Brooch. Gold hallmarked with 750 mark. A stunning
Category

Late 20th Century European Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 1970s 12.00 Carat Diamond Feathers Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Flower Brooch 14k Gold Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage flower brooch 14k gold featuring diamonds. The brooch’s layered petals are designed with
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Flower Brooch 14k Gold Diamond
Vintage Flower Brooch 14k Gold Diamond
W 1.5 in Dm 1.5 in L 1.75 in
TIFFANY & CO. SCHLUMBERGER 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond & Lapis Thistle Brooch 1970s
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold, Lapis & Diamond Thistle Brooch 1970s Vintage Here is
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Quartz Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Hand carved leaf brooch with Ruby stem and one round accent diamond. Circa 1970. 17 custom Emerald
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

1970s Spritzer & Fuhrmann Coral Onyx Diamond Gold Stork Bird Brooch
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, coral and onyx. Mounted on 18kt white and yellow gold. Circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Coral, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold Platinum Diamond Emerald House Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold brooch featuring a two-story house encircled by flowers with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18 karat yellow gold hummingbird brooch, consisting of 16 brilliant cut diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970S Diamond 1.50cts Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Lion Head Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Striking 18K yellow gold lion head brooch. This estate statement piece is intricately grooved
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Gold And Diamond Brooch 1970s For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of gold and diamond brooch 1970s for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find a collection of 420 vintage versions or 1 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 20th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of gold and diamond brooch 1970s bearing Retro or Modern hallmarks are very popular. Tiffany & Co., David Webb and Van Cleef & Arpels each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. A selection of round cut, brilliant cut and cabochon can be found today on these pages. When shopping our range of gold and diamond brooch 1970s, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Gold And Diamond Brooch 1970s?

On average, gold and diamond brooch 1970s at 1stDibs sell for $4,980, while they’re typically $550 on the low end and $375,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Brooches for You

Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.

While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like GucciVersaceDior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step. 

Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.

At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.

Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.

Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.